10th FINA World Swimming Officials Seminar concludes in Tokyo (JPN)

A total of 105 participants from 58 member federations were present in Tokyo (JPN) from April 12-15 for the 10th FINA World Swimming Officials Seminar. The Members of the FINA Technical Swimming Committee - Chairman Carol Zaleski (USA), Vice Chairman Don Blew (AUS), Honorary Secretary Søren Korbo (DEN) and FINA Vice President and Bureau Liaison Dale Neuburger (USA) - led the four-day event, which was organised in cooperation with the Japan Swimming Federation.

Since the first time the Seminar was inaugurated in 1994, only officials appearing on FINA Swimming Officials Lists were invited to take part in the event. Consequently, each edition is always high level. The discussion groups were again an excellent way to share knowledge amongst the participants. The Technical Swimming Committee received fruitful proposals from the participants related to rule proposals for the next Technical Swimming Congress to be held in Barcelona (ESP) in 2013.

The Seminar's main objective was to provide a meeting opportunity for Swimming Officials from around the world to exchange knowledge and strengthen expertise in respect of both FINA Swimming Rules and practice at international competitions.

A special session was organised for those officiating at the 2012 London Olympic Games on the last day. With a few exceptions, nearly all London 2012 Officials were present in Tokyo.

We thank the Japan Swimming Federation for their excellent organisation and great hospitality.